GABRIEL JESUS won't just have Pep Guardiola to answer to if he goes the same way as so many other Brazilian hopefuls at Manchester City. His mum will tear into him too.

The 19-year-old forward carries high hopes as he takes his first steps with his new team, with a first appearance pencilled in at Everton on Sunday if the paperwork can be squared away.

It is hoped he will prove himself the heir to Sergio Aguero rather than the latest in a long line of Brazilian disappointment that features Robinho, Elano, Jo and Glauber Berti.

And it will be his mother, as always, who will play the greatest role in the latest chapter of his astonishing rise to stardom. "My son lowers his head when I speak," she has said.

He, in turn, posted this message last week on Instagram: 'I'm going to be one of the favelados [slum dweller] that will conquer the world. I'll be my mother's cause for so much pride.'

Vera Lucia was left with the sole responsibility of raising Jesus and his three brothers after their father died when he was young.

And one of the reasons why a willingness to work hard and track back to help his team are among his many qualities is because he fears a telling off from his mother.

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Gabriel Jesus could make his Manchester City debut against Everton on Sunday

"Yes, it's true that my mother has a go at me when I don't track back," he says. "We are very, very close and she demands a lot from me, which is great.

"She only praises me if I have done something worthy of praise. I am really happy to have a mum like that, who really cares. She always tells me the truth and her sincerity helps me a lot.

"I have always enjoyed working hard and that's why I try to give my best tactically as well as going forward.

"From an early age, in my 'várzea' days [a type of Brazilian street football], I tried to take in all the instructions of all the coaches I had. I am the same today. After all, it is very important to enter the pitch knowing what I have to do to help the team.

"I am often prepared to give up a position high on the pitch and help out defensively because some good marking and tackling can result in a goal for my team in the end. I'd like to think that I'm a versatile player."

The story of the striker dubbed the new Neymar is a classic rags-to-riches sporting journey. With only his mother's wages from her cleaning job to support them, money was tight in the economically deprived Jardim Peri neighbourhood on the outskirts of sprawling Sao Paulo.

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Pep Guardiola signed Jesus for £27m from Brazilian side Palmeiras

But the 19-year-old says his tough upbringing has ensured he matured quickly and fully appreciates his meteoric rise to fame and fortune in the last 18 months.

Only two years ago, during the World Cup in Brazil, Jesus was painting the pavement of his street in green and yellow as a fan.

He only made his debut for Palmeiras in March 2015 but since then he has helped his country win the Olympic gold medal, made his debut and scored five times in six appearances for Brazil's senior international team, helped Palmeiras win the Brazilian championship, been voted his country's player of the year - and, of course, clinched his £27m move to Manchester City.

"A football player grows up faster than other people," he says. "I grew up very quickly because of the difficulties and responsibilities that I have always had.

"I try to manage my progress in a down-to-earth fashion. Some players win a trophy and think that they are on top of the world. I don't let it go to my head. People idolise me for winning the Olympics but I keep saying, 'It is just a medal'.

"My whole life has always been football and that only. Since I was six years old I've only really thought about football. I used to watch it on TV, play video games and so on. I just love football. Some people joke that I am too into it but football just sums up my life."

His childhood neighbourhood is always on his mind - and on his skin. His forearm sports a tattoo showing a boy with a ball in his hand looking at a favela in front of him, dreaming of a better future in football. The tattoo is almost identical to the one his friend Neymar has.

Instagram/dejesusoficial

Jesus's mum Vera Lucia is his biggest influence in succeeding

Gabriel Jesus arrives in the UK after £27m Manchester City move

Tue, January 3, 2017

Express Sport brings you the best pictures as Gabriel Jesus arrives in Manchester

Gabriel Jesus has arrived at Manchester Airport after his £27m move from Palmeiras

Apart from his goal output and typical Brazilian flair and skill, his discipline and attitude have impressed Pep Guardiola.

And it was the chance to develop his game under the demanding Spaniard that persuaded Jesus to turn down offers from all of Europe's top clubs - Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Paris St Germain - and join City.

"There was a lot of interest, it was a complicated decision, but in the end my desire to learn won," he said.

"The decision to join City was taken by me, with my family and my agent - and it wasn't the best financial offer. We considered many things but I can't deny that working with Guardiola helped with my decision.

"He's an excellent manager - one of the best in the world - and I can't describe how proud I am when he says good things about me.

"I'm proud that he likes my way of playing, but that's not enough for me. I need to show that he was right about me."